Out of the numerous types of diseases and disorders that the human body is exposed to the most damaging and painful disorders of them all are spine injuries or damage. The human spinal column consists of 24 vertebrae and this is sub divided into the cervical spine consisting of seven vertebrae, the thoracic spine consists of 12 vertebrae and the lumbar spine with five vertebrae. The base bone also called the sacrum is situated at the end of the sacrum in the coccyx.

Also known as a disc and sometimes referred to as a shock absorbing cushion is situated between each vertebrae pair. The first 23 discs start from the second and third neck vertebreae, and named C2-C3, T5-T6 and L4-L5. The letter ‘C’ stand for cervical, ‘T’ means thoracic and ‘L’ stands for lumbar and ‘S’ for sacrum.

Damages to the disks might happen due to accidents, falls, weak muscles, weak supporting muscles and body mechanics. The discs outer layer tears or breaks open because of these injuries and disc herniation otherwise known as subligamentous.

When this condition occurs in the lower back or lumbar spine region, it sometimes affects the cervical and upper back called the thoracic spine too. It applies pressure to the nerve roots this causes lots of pain and numbness to the patient in the affected area. The gel like substance oozes out of the discs once the disc is cracked. Normal methods of x-rays are unable to detect the disorder so MRI or CT scans are used in place.

Herniated T5 T6 means the disorder or injury is done to the thoracic spine. Generally muscle relaxes and pain killers are administered as medicines for this injury. Physical therapy is the best way to treat herniated T5 T6 as no real medicine can cure this injury it can only suppress the pain and symptoms. In severe cases surgery is advised but not always. Complete bed rest along with physical exercises can reduce pain and give relief from numbness.

Walking and activities without too much straining can keep the pain at bay. Administering ice pack or hot pack on the affected area atleast 3-4 times a day will relieve muscle tension and pain. Physiotherapy is by far the best treatment that can help with herniated disc disorders. Especially for T5 T6 disorders or injuries are very unbearable but it can be treated.

With proper physical therapy the unstable segment and neutral zone can be controlled. This therapy helps in increasing mobility and allows the patient to walk, climb stairs etc freely. It can improve physical function and prevent disability and give balance to the affected area. The therapy must be concentrated around the muscles, bones, ligaments, nerves etc.

This therapy can be received in hospitals or out patient clinics and fitness centers. A good and experienced physical therapist should be chosen and it is always good to choose someone recommended by friends or relatives. Health insurance companies and family physicians also might suggest good therapists who might do the best therapy for you. Check to find out if he is properly qualified for the job and if he has the necessary certification. Faulty therapy can lead to dangerous physical conditions and make the patient immobile. So care should be taken while selecting the best physical therapist.

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